Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Hampton, VA
Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Hampton, VA covers 353 mi and about 7h 43m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
353 mi · 7h 43m by car · VA → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, DE 1 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Newport News, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Hampton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Hampton is 13.0% cheaper than Elizabeth overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Hampton is 13.0% below Elizabeth — $534,667 vs $275,341 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Hampton -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Hampton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 47.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5°F) and Hampton (59.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Hampton averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, LANGLEY AFB, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Hampton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 137,334 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $67,758 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 17.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Hampton is 13.0% above Elizabeth ($63,874 → $67,758, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hampton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Hampton more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hampton is 13.0% lower than Elizabeth (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Hampton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.8°F in Hampton vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (4.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 47.8 in vs 46.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Hampton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 353 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Hampton compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $275,341 in Hampton vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 48.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Hampton, VA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 353 mi and the route typically takes 7h 43m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Hampton compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Hampton MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Hampton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,758 in Hampton vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 6.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Hampton, VA.